The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-09
AFFAIRS OF THE RAILWAYS.
aus,,n CABIN and His Roads.

Austin Corbin president of the Philadelphia
& Reading. the L.. b. & W., and a number of
other less Important roads, arrived In the city
yesterday on a special train, reaching the Union
Depot ct 4 r. NJ. The train consists OF one of
the elegant Woodruff sleeping coaches and Pres
ident Corbin's private car, which attracted
good deal of attention as it stood side-track
near the depot The car is a marvel, and is
of the largest built, having three trucks
and eighteen wheels a support. The interior
decoration done by POTTER & Stymus, at a
cost of So, 900. The upholsterine is in olive
green plush and embossed Russia leather. The
windows all hung with India silk of Pc
euliar shade of yellow. The portiers and carpets
of Turkish make. and everything is per-
feet money could make it. Mr.. Corbin's
private room is fitted all the latest devices
for comfort, such q marble bath tub set In
the floor and hot and cold water The entire
car is lighted By electricity and fitted with cleo
trio bells. At either end OF this palace on
wheels is a sitting-room and library, or observa-
tory. entirely inclosed in plate glass. thus giving
@ splendid view of the surrounding country.
The party numbers fifteen. and consists of Mr..
and Mrs. Corbin, Miss Corbin and friend, Austin
Corbin, jr., and friend; Mr.. and Mrs George ).
Edgel, of ST. Louis; Madame Rene Champolon,
OF Paris Mr.. Corbin's daughter and her children,
and MIR. Reynolds. his private secretary W hlle
absent they expect to visit Yellow Stone Park
and num5 Der of other noted points In the far
West and Northwest. Mr.. Corbin was very
tired last evening, and not disposed to talk free
ly If he had thought it wise to do So He ex-
pressed himself as we'll pleased with the portion
of the l., b. & w. which he passed over yester-
day. To-day he will make run over the Peoria
division. Mr.. Corbin IS Of the opinion that
the l., b. & W.. which has four hundred miles
running east and west through excellent
country, has q grand future IL IL should form no
further alliances In the past the company has
been rather unfortunate, losing nearly a half
million dollars IN its experiment of operating the
Indianapolis. Decatur & Springfield road. Then.
again, its connection with the Cleveland, San
dusKy 81 Cincinnati was unfortunate. The
rental was exorbitant, and neither party expect
ed that the financial arrangement could be car
ried out when they entered into it, But this is all
OF the past; the road will be consolidated and
starts off in fine shape financially, and will be in
good condition physically. At both ends of the
lines they are on very friendly terms with their
connections He then spoke of his connection
with the Philadelphia q Reading. Nine months
ago, when he took hold of the property. there
was floating debt of $29, 900. 600 hanging over
il. Before be left on his Western trip every
dollar had been paid, and there was
a surplus of S.. 600, 900 in the treasury.
He also found the methods of operating the road
anything but economical and profitable. Every
department has since been subject to gem
eral overhauling, and in each system
ed. The very men who kicked the worst against
the reforms which have been brought about
now the warmest supporters of the improved
manner of operating the road. Another very
important thing has been accomplished. Nine
months ago the company was at loggerheads
with its connections and competitors while now
the most friendly feeling exists with all, and the
relations between the great Pennsylvania COM
pany and the p. 81 r. also of the most
friendly character. There is now more cut
ting OF rates Earring going between the
two companies, and every shipper tho line
knows that all are treated alike in rate matters
This 3 much better for the roads and for the
business of the country and es pecialy the terri
tory through which these two grand systems OF
railway operate.